Publications
Playtime! Book and DVD - Shelly Newstead
Based on work undertaken by Shelly Newstead with schools in Wigan, this textbook
and DVD is for anyone working in or with schools which want to improve the quality of children's playtime.
The book looks at the key elements of providing really great playtimes and gives practical advice on how to
support a whole-school approach to play. The DVD features staff and pupils talking about the challenges that they
faced in changing the way that playtimes worked in their school as well as lots of really great footage of children
demonstrating what a great playtime should look like in practice!
 This book is bright and colourful and the photos help
to set the scene. I like the play footage on the DVD; this was really useful. It presents the issues in bit size chunks
with sufficient detail. I believe the best way for it to be used is as support material for some hands-on-training with
staff (both playground, teaching and support staff, and Governors). It is vital to get buy-in from all concerned. I will
be sharing the pack with all my team - particularly those who have little or no practical experience of
playwork. 
Alison Terry
Available from W: www.commonthreads.org.uk
Play at School - PLAYLINK
PLAYLINK's Play at School Scheme - which takes a whole approach to improving
playtime in schools. Contains a report on a PLAYLINK project with three primary
schools. Raises general points about organisational change.
For more information about PLAYLINK see their website: www.playlink.org.
Available from W: www.commonthreads.org.uk
The Buskers Guide to Playwork - Shelly Newstead
'Playwork - you mean you get paid for playing with children?'
 What is playwork?
What do playworkers do - and what don't they do?
Why is playwork different to working in teaching, early years settings, youth work...?
The Buskers Guide to Playwork gives readers an accessible introduction to playwork the art and science of
facilitating children's play. It outlines the fundamentals of the playwork ethos and gives readers practical
guidance on how to apply this when working with children.
Available from W: www.commonthreads.org.uk
The Buskers Guide to Playing Out - Philip Waters
'Outdoor play? Oh yes, we've bought some equipment for that..'
Why is playing outside important for children?
What should adults do and not do when children play outside?
And why is playing outside different to outdoor play?
The Buskers Guide to Playing Out helps adults who work in childrens play to think about the real meaning of
playing outside for both themselves and the children they work with. It explores the importance of children
having free choice about what they play with and how they play with it, and how adults can help or hinder
children to get the most out of the great outdoors.
Available from W: www.commonthreads.org.uk
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